Former NASA astronaut Dr. Karen Nyberg joins the OSOM family
Patricia Ermecheo
We are honored and delighted to announce Dr. Karen Nyberg joining the OSOM family. Her invaluable experience will help us push the limits of sustainability even further. Welcome, Dr. Karen Nyberg!
Dr. Karen Nyberg
Former NASA Astronaut, Engineer
Dr. Karen Nyberg is an engineer, astronaut, and textile artist who, through nearly thirty years of experience in human spaceflight, has gained an appreciation for the value of working within and across diverse political ideologies, cultural values, and world views to advance critical missions.
Karen was selected as a member of the NASA Astronaut Corps in 2000. She made her first trip to space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2008, during the height of International Space Station (ISS) construction, delivering and installing the Japanese Laboratory. On her second spaceflight in 2013, Karen launched on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and lived and worked at ISS for 166 days. Prior to astronaut selection, Karen worked as an Environmental Control Systems Engineer at the Johnson Space Center where she led several design and analysis initiatives in the areas of space vehicle and space suit thermal and environmental control.
As one of less than 600 people in history who have experienced spaceflight, Karen has firsthand understanding of the “Overview Effect”, a powerful and profound result of seeing Earth from space. This has influenced her life tremendously and inspired her to develop deep empathy and understanding towards people and planet Earth. Having accumulated 180 days in space and seven days underwater in deep-sea training, she fully appreciates where innovation and technology must strive to meet the needs of conservation and sustainability to improve and create balance for all life.
Recently retired from NASA, Karen is currently pursuing interests in the areas of conservation and sustainability and now serves as an ambassador and advisor for Osomtex®️ upcycled yarns and fabrics, promoting a circular economy in the textile industry. She is also pursuing a lifelong passion for drawing, painting, and sewing in the form of textile art.
Karen received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and has been honored with the highest alumni award from each alma mater.
Watch Karen’s vlog from space here.
Follow Karen on Instagram @astrokarenn